Bong Go supports fight vs counterfeit medicine
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, a known health reforms crusader, expressed his support for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the National Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicine (NCWACM), which is running from November 18 to 22 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
The event serves as a vital reminder of the shared responsibility to protect the health and well-being of every Filipino.
The event’s theme, “Advancing Vigilance and Solidarity Against Counterfeit Medicine: Kolaborasyon, Edukasyon, at Aksyon ay Tutukan Upang Paglaganap ng Pekeng Medisina ay Malabanan ng Lokal na Pamahalaan at ng mga Mamamayan!” encapsulates the mission to raise awareness and mobilize action in the fight against counterfeit medicine.
“Our fight against counterfeit medicine is not just a health issue but a matter of life and safety,” said Go.
“Kailangan nating pagtulungan ito—mula sa pamahalaan, lokal na komunidad, hanggang sa bawat mamamayan… it is only through unity and vigilance that we can build a safer and healthier society for all,” the Senator added.
One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of recent findings by the FDA, revealing that 29 stores in Palawan were selling counterfeit medicine, while 74 counterfeit products were identified.
Amid this public safety concern, Senator Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reiterated his commitment to supporting stronger laws and initiatives that impose stricter penalties on those involved in the manufacture and distribution of fake medicines.
Go is also the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
Currently, 166 Malasakit Centers operate nationwide, ready to assist patients with medical expenses. These centers have already helped over 15 million Filipinos, according to data from the Department of Health (DOH).
He also championed the establishment of Super Health Centers designed to focus on primary care, consultations, and early detection, further strengthening the healthcare sector, especially in grassroots communities.
Free consultations are provided through municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) under its Konsulta program.
He also supported the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s committment to expand access to essential medicines by year-end.
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